A degenerative spine is a common disorder that mainly affects elderly people, often caused by the natural aging process. As we grow older, our bones, discs and cartilage in the spine can begin to wear and break down, which can lead to changes in the spine’s anatomy. Discs can become herniated, bone spurs can develop and vertebrae can slip out of place.

When these changes occur, a person can experience a range of symptoms, from stiffness and difficulty walking to weakness and pain, which can make traveling difficult. For suggestions on easing your discomfort while traveling with a degenerative spine and to learn about the procedures available for lasting relief, read the following article.

Traveling with a degenerative spine

Traveling with a degenerative spine can be challenging, especially if sitting for extended periods of time is uncomfortable or painful for you. Although some discomfort when traveling with this condition is unavoidable, there are a number of things you can do to make your trip as stress-free as possible:

1. Make sure you bring enough pain medication
2. Bring portable heat wraps and cold packs
3. Ask a flight attendant to store your cold packs in the freezer when you’re not using them
4. Take breaks from sitting, when possible
5. Arrive at the airport early, or leave early if you’re driving, so you’re not rushing to your destination
6. Remember to relax, as stress can make your back pain worse

Also, if you’re flying, let the airline know about your condition ahead of time. They may be able to arrange some assistance for you, such as reserving a wheelchair, having airline personnel carry your luggage or letting you board earlier than other passengers.

Minimally invasive procedures for a degenerative spine

In some cases, surgery may be the best long-term solution for degenerative spine disorders. Traditional open back surgery is one option, but it requires the surgeon to make a large 6- to 8-inches-long incision in the back muscles and tissues, so it often results in a long recovery process. However, USA Spine Care’s minimally invasive spine surgery provides a safer and effective alternative to traditional open back surgery.^

Minimally invasive procedures, like the kind offered at USA Spine Care, have many advantages versus open neck or back surgery, such as no lengthy recovery and a lower risk of complication.^ Our surgeons perform minimally invasive decompression and stabilization procedures through a less than 1-inch incision and muscle-sparing techniques. Thereby, helping patients get back to the activities they love. Contact our dedicated team with any questions or concerns you may have about our procedures.

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and has helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from their degenerative spine conditions. If you’re wondering whether you’re a candidate for our outpatient procedures, reach out to us today for a no-cost MRI review.* Our streamlined experience reduces hospital-associated costs and allows our patients to get back to their lives faster.^

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